Bridging the Gap Between BJP and the Sangh
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) headquarters in Nagpur has been viewed as a crucial step in mending relations between the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its ideological parent. By hailing the RSS as the ‘banyan tree’ of India’s cultural consciousness, Modi signaled an effort to address underlying tensions that have surfaced between the two entities over the past decade.
Strains in the BJP-RSS Relationship
Since Modi’s rise to power in 2014, the BJP has expanded significantly, emerging as the world’s largest political party. However, this meteoric growth has also brought a shift in the party’s dynamics with the RSS. During the 2024 general elections, a statement by then-BJP president JP Nadda, asserting that the party was now self-sufficient and did not need the Sangh’s backing, reportedly created friction. In response, the RSS distanced itself from BJP’s electioneering, leading to a lackluster performance for the party, which managed only 240 seats—far short of its ambitious 400-seat target. The BJP was ultimately forced to form a coalition government with allies like Chandrababu Naidu’s Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and Nitish Kumar’s Janata Dal (United) (JD-U).
RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat’s post-election remarks cautioning against a ‘personality cult’ were widely interpreted as a veiled critique of Modi’s campaign rhetoric, wherein he claimed a divine purpose for his leadership. Recognizing the RSS’s continued influence over voters, the BJP sought its assistance in subsequent Haryana and Maharashtra Assembly elections, where the party saw unexpected success—confirming the Sangh’s enduring sway over its traditional voter base.
Choosing the Next BJP President
With Nadda now holding a dual role as a Union Minister, the BJP must elect a new party president. Modi’s visit to Nagpur is being seen as an attempt to build consensus with the RSS on this pivotal decision. The Sangh is reportedly advocating for a leader who is aligned with its vision and not solely loyal to the Modi-Amit Shah leadership. Names like Dharmendra Pradhan and Bhupender Yadav are under consideration, but their close association with Modi may not align with the RSS’s preference for a more independent figure. There is also speculation about bringing in a leader from southern India to broaden the party’s national appeal.
Reaffirming Ideological Roots
As part of his outreach, Modi has increasingly emphasized his long-standing association with the RSS. In a recent interview with U.S. podcaster Lex Fridman, he proudly referenced his roots in the organization, underscoring his commitment to its ideology. This effort to reaffirm ties is reminiscent of past BJP-RSS tensions, such as those witnessed during the Atal Bihari Vajpayee era and LK Advani’s fallout with the Sangh over his praise of Muhammad Ali Jinnah. However, history has shown that despite occasional rifts, the BJP and RSS remain deeply interconnected.
As the BJP gears up for future electoral battles and strategic decisions, Modi’s engagement with the Sangh is a calculated move to maintain ideological unity and ensure continued support from its foundational base.
Author: This news is edited by: Abhishek Verma, (Editor, CANON TIMES)
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